Islamabad: The Senate Standing Committee on Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, led by Chairperson Senator Sherry Rehman, met at Parliament House to deliberate on Pakistan’s preparedness for the upcoming monsoon season and ongoing environmental issues.

According to Senate of Pakistan, senator Sherry Rehman opened the discussion by highlighting the predicted above-normal rainfall and its potential impacts, particularly in Punjab. The meeting, as reported by the Senate of Pakistan, focused on the integrated strategies required to address various climate-related challenges, emphasizing the need for a holistic and collaborative approach across all environmental entities.

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) outlined the expected monsoon patterns, which could lead to urban and flash flooding, particularly in Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan. Detailed risk reduction strategies were discussed to mitigate potential disasters, with a proactive stance recommended for vulnerable areas.

Additional concerns were raised about recent forest fires in the Margalla Hills, with the Capital Development Authority (CDA) reporting on efforts to combat and prevent such incidents. The meeting concluded with a call for a comprehensive ecological plan to enhance tree plantation and forest conservation efforts, reflecting a strong commitment to environmental sustainability and disaster preparedness.